Minneapolis Voters Overwhelmingly Pass Repeal of 70/30 Rule

Though it means the death of our favorite cheesyvideoseries, we're pleased to report that Minneapolis voters have ended the tyrannical reign of the 70/30 rule. Yesterday, the dining-savvy citizenry voted to remove from the city charter a rule that requires neighborhood restaurants to make at least 70 percent of their revenue from food sales, meaning only 30 percent can come from the sale of alcohol.

Well, perhaps not "just like that." In the last few weeks, Citizens for a Modern Minneapolis in Support of Yes on 2 has been working overtime to get yard signs staked and videos produced, to procure local celebrity endorsements and organize rallies at local restaurants. It seems to have paid off: The ballot measure to remove the rule passed with 84 percent of the vote.

Matthew Steiner, executive director of Citizens for a Modern Minneapolis in Support of Yes on 2, sent out a congratulatory press release yesterday, thanking Minneapolis voters for supporting "strong neighborhoods and continued economic growth."

"By voting yes on Ballot Question #2, Minneapolis will continue to regulate the dynamic food and restaurant industry, but do so in a modern manner that does not stifle investment and expansion," Steiner wrote, "and this action removes the uncertainty that has been holding back neighborhood restaurants for nearly 20 years."

Roughly 70 local restaurants were formerly affected by the 70/30 rule. Any amendment to the charter becomes effective 30 days after the election, so by December, those restaurants will be able to serve their thirsty and hungry patrons alike, without whipping out a calculator to do the 70/30 math.